Matsuri BiyoriCalendar of Japan's UNESCO-listed festivals

A shared illustration for this type of festival, not this festival itself. Photos are welcome.

Furyu-odori
Calculated

Shiraishi Odori

Japanese name: 白石踊（しらいしおどり）

Kasaoka (Shiraishi Island), Okayama

2027

  • Fri, Aug 13 – Sun, Aug 15

    Bon dance (Shiraishi Community Center)

  • Mon, Aug 16

    Bon dance (Shiraishi Island Beach, after the lantern floating)

Check with the organizers or local government
ABOUT

About the festival

Shiraishi Odori is a bon dance from Shiraishi Island in Kasaoka City, said to have begun as a memorial for those who died in the battles between the Genji and Heike clans. To a single drum and a single kudoki narrative song, dancers in the same ring perform different dances at once, such as men's and women's dances. More than ten songs are handed down, including Nasu no Yoichi.

  • A rare form in which several dances proceed together to one song

  • Anyone may join the Obon dancing, in everyday clothes or yukata

  • No costumed dancing takes place on the Obon days themselves

VIDEO

Videos

Videos published by local governments, preservation societies and others.

Video: 一般社団法人笠岡市観光協会 (YouTube)

DETAILS

Key facts

Category
UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage: Furyu-odori dances
Location
Kasaoka (Shiraishi Island), Okayama
Main venue
Shiraishi Island (Shiraishi Community Center and Shiraishi Island Beach)
Getting there
About 20 minutes by high-speed boat from Kasaoka Port (Sumiyoshi pier), about 10 minutes on foot from JR Kasaoka Station.

Sources

This description was written by Matsuri Biyori based on public information. Dates and details may change. Please check the organizers' latest information before you go. Translated from the Japanese original.

FAQ

FAQ

When is Shiraishi Odori held in 2027?
In 2027, it is scheduled for Fri, Aug 13 – Mon, Aug 16 (Calculated from the usual rule).
Where is Shiraishi Odori held?
It is held in Kasaoka (Shiraishi Island), Okayama. The main venue is Shiraishi Island (Shiraishi Community Center and Shiraishi Island Beach).
How are the dates of Shiraishi Odori set?
Every year, August 13-16 (Obon; August 13-15 at Shiraishi Community Center, August 16 at the beach)